NIH Intramural Research Program

NIH Intramural Research Program
Agency overview
Formed1930 (1930)
Preceding agency
  • Hygienic Laboratory
HeadquartersBethesda, Maryland
Agency executive
Parent agencyDepartment of Health & Human Services
Websiteirp.nih.gov

The NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) is the internal research program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), known for its synergistic approach to biomedical science.[1] With 1,200 Principal Investigators and over 4,000 Postdoctoral Fellows conducting basic, translational, and clinical research, the NIH Intramural Research Program is the largest biomedical research institution on earth.[2] The unique funding environment of the IRP facilitates opportunities to conduct both long-term and high-impact science that would otherwise be difficult to undertake. With rigorous external reviews ensuring that only the most outstanding research secures funding,[3] the IRP is responsible for many scientific accomplishments, including the discovery of fluoride to prevent tooth decay, the use of lithium to manage bipolar disorder, and the creation of vaccines against hepatitis, Hemophilus influenzae (Hib), and human papillomavirus (HPV).[4] In addition, the IRP has also produced or trained 21 Nobel Prize-winning scientists.[4]

  1. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-04-25. Retrieved 2012-01-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ^ Organization and Leadership | NIH Intramural Research Program
  3. ^ Blue Ribbon Panel
  4. ^ a b "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-01-05. Retrieved 2012-01-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)